All aboard! Belfast’s looking shipshape for a weekend of Maritime fun

The magnificent masts of the Tall Ships will soon return to our skyline, signaling one of Belfast’s favourite family events, the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.

From 10am to 6pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May, Donegall Quay, Queen’s Quay and Titanic Quarter will be a treasure trove of family fun with spectacular live entertainment, international street performers, fairground rides, nautical themed workshops and displays, water based ‘Try It’ sessions, exhilarating flyboard jet ski displays, a Maritime Market of international food and drink stalls and even pirate classes to shiver your timbers.

The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival is organised by Belfast City Council, with support from Tourism NI and media partner Q Radio.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “I’m so looking forward to this year’s Maritime Festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get together with your friends and family in the spectacular waterfront surroundings of Titanic Quarter.

“You can climb on board one of the visiting Tall Ships and naval vessels to chat with the captain and crew, dance to live music, have a laugh at the free entertainment, and enjoy a bite to eat at the Big Titanic Pop Up Picnic or simply relax and soak up the party atmosphere.

“Whatever you do, remember to check out the Maritime Mile. It’s a fun, new animated trail that brings the Titanic Quarter’s maritime and industrial history to life, connecting the attractions including the impressively restored HMS Caroline, one of the world’s largest lighthouse optics, The Great Light, sculptures and viewing points along the way.”

Aine Kearney, Director of Business Support and Events at Tourism NI: “Tourism NI is a proud supporter of the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2018. The weekend long festival is a home grown event celebrating Belfast’s unique maritime history and Titanic legacy providing a platform for visitors to explore and interact with the city.”

Orla Ross, Agency Sales Director with Q Radio added: "Q Radio is delighted to be the official media partner of this year’s Maritime Festival. Dedicated to broadcasting local content for local people, award winning news and a variety of feel good music, it’s natural that we support one of Northern Ireland’s biggest events in the summer calendar. We’re looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic weekend."

This year, the gateway to the festival is at Donegall Quay (beside the Big Fish sculpture, the start of the Maritime Mile Trail. Organisers recommend arriving on foot so you can enjoy the many attractions along the way including zorbing on the river and boat tours along the Maritime Mile. You can get around the festival site by hopping on and off the free ‘Wee Tram’, which will depart from Arc with a drop off at HMS Caroline.

HMS Caroline is a destination not to be missed, with lots of activities to enjoy on board during the Titanic Maritime Festival. Following a recent £20 million restoration, the vessel now features impressively restored cabins and historic spaces, a play park and picnic area and breathtaking views over Belfast and the newly refurbished dock and Pump House.

Whilst there’s no dedicated car parking for the event, festival goers are encouraged to use city centre car parks and on street parking. There is also car parking along Queen’s Road in Titanic Quarter.